Life — November 21, 1918 — page 3: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# Analysis This page is primarily **commercial advertising** for GEM razors and shaving products, not political satire. The left column contains a humorous article titled "Have You a Little War-Fan in Your Home?" that satirizes Americans obsessed with World War I—mocking those who collect war maps, read sensationalist books about the conflict, and display military memorabilia. The ads feature military-themed imagery: soldiers in khaki uniforms advertising a "Khaki Service Outfit" alongside GEM razor products. The advertising copy cleverly connects wartime themes to shaving, suggesting soldiers "smile" while shaving with GEM razors in the trenches. The satire targets American **war enthusiasm and commercialization** of the conflict rather than critiquing the war itself—a common Life magazine theme during WWI.